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Home Viral skin infections Molluscum contagiosum CME
Created 2009.
Molluscum contagiosum is a common cutaneous infection due a pox virus. It mainly presents in childhood as multiple soft umbilicated papules. Thick white material can be expressed from the middle of the papules. They are often clustered in the flexures especially axillae and genital areas.
Molluscum contagiosum often provokes localised eczema, particularly in atopic children.
As the lesions resolve the papules may become inflamed (red and crusted) or necrotic (black scabs) and may leave punctate scars.
Untreated, the papules resolve after a few months. They rarely persist for longer than two years.
In general, no investigations are necessary and the diagnosis is made clinically. However, a skin biopsy may be helpful. Characteristic features are:
Treatment may not be necessary or advisable in the majority of young children. Options include:
Describe the impact and treatment of molluscum contagiosum in patients infected by human immunodeficiency virus.
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